MicroRNAs and Long Non-Coding RNAs in Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Abstract

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a type of genetic material that do not encode proteins but regulate the gene expression at an epigenetic level, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The role played by ncRNAs in many physiological and pathological processes has gained attention during the last few decades, as they might be useful in the diagnosis, treatment and management of several human disorders, including endocrine and oncological diseases. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive endocrine cancer, still characterized by high mortality and morbidity due to both endocrine and oncological complications. Despite the rarity of this disease, recently, the role of ncRNA has been quite extensively evaluated in ACC. In order to better explore the role of the ncRNA in human ACC, this review summarizes the current knowledge on ncRNA dysregulation in ACC and its potential role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of this tumor.

Medical Therapy of Endogenous Cushing’s Syndrome with Steroidogenesis Inhibitors: Treatment Rationale, Available Drugs, and Therapeutic Effects

“…Because of its very long half-life and its accumulation in adipose tissue, treatment effects of mitotane may be observed even several months after its discontinuation [22]. To date, mitotane is the only approved drug for the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma both in Europe and the USA [24][25][26].…”

Molecular genetic aspects of adrenocortical cancer

“…в целом, а не отдельных генов, молекул мРНК, клеточных белков и метаболитов [41]. Такой подход целостного исследования молекулярно-генетических патологических механизмов адренокортикального онкогенеза позволяет выявить новые биомаркеры дооперационной диагностики, создать прогностическую кластеризацию АКР с учетом биологического поведения опухолевых клеток [42,43].…”

Bridging the Scientific Gaps to Identify Effective Treatments in Adrenocortical Cancer

“…The finding of a recurrent deletion in the long-noncoding RNA LINC000290 in both the TCGA and ENS@T cohorts is one example of a potential target that has not yet undergone further study [ 18 , 19 ]. The importance of long noncoding RNA in cancer development is increasingly being recognized as targets for therapy, but there is still a paucity of research available for their practical use [ 108 ].…”

“…Various other miRNAs have been implicated in ACC whose known roles span numerous pathways, including cell cycle regulation, mTOR, and Akt, among others. Interestingly, Wnt-signaling and p53-Rb have not been tied to miRNA expression profiles thus far [ 108 ]. Much research is still needed to further delineate miRNA’s roles in ACC and whether they represent a useful therapeutic target.…”